(a) In addition to the assistance provided under § 18–2804 of this subtitle, the Office may, subject to the availability of money in the Fund, assist in the repayment of an education loan owed by a physician or physician assistant who:
(1) Practices a medical specialty that has been identified by the Department as being in shortage in the geographic area of the State where the physician or physician assistant practices that specialty; and
(2) Commits to practicing in the area for a period of time determined by the Office.
(b) The Office shall prioritize funding for the repayment of education loans through the Program in the following order:
(1) Physicians and physician assistants that meet the requirements under § 18–2804(b) of this subtitle;
(2) Physicians and physician assistants practicing primary care in a geographic area where the Department has identified a shortage of primary care physicians or physician assistants; and
(3) Physicians and physician assistants practicing a medical specialty other than primary care in a geographic area where the Department has identified a shortage of that specialty.